Pair’s kind gift to Thornton con victim

Gary Dickerson and Dave Rees (pictured with the cheque) got in touch with PCSO Joshua Perry about helping an elderly burglary victim.

Published:06:30Tuesday 30 June 2015

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Two kind-hearted men have helped raise more than £500 for a pensioner whose home was burgled by a man who knocked on her door asking for help.

The con man targeted the good Samaritan, saying his car had broken down and asked to use her phone.

When the 90-year-old let him into her Maplewood Drive home, in Thornton, the man asked for a phone book and stole her handbag when she went to look for one.

Shocked by the story, Gary Dickerson and Dave Rees, and set about raising money “to help a vulnerable elderly lady out”.

The pair set up an online fund-raising page and watched the donations roll in, hitting their £500 target in a matter of days.

Now, after getting in touch with police, they met the woman and handed over a cheque to help replace what was taken from her.

PCSO Joshua Perry, of Blackpool Police, said: “These men saw that not only they, but many others wanted to do something about this and try to see that the lady did not go without and wasn’t left feeling alone.

“We presented the lady with the money. She had no idea how much was raised and was extremely overwhelmed by kind nature of everyone who wanted to contribute.

“The lady would like everyone to know how grateful she is.”

PCSO Perry said the woman has decided to donate the money to the RNLI.

He added: “I would like to personally say a huge thank you to Gary, Dave and all those involved. It just goes to show the positive affect a community can have when they all come together.”

Mr Rees also thanked everyone who donated.

He added: “It was so nice to put a big smile on her face and restore her faith in humanity.”